National Care Group, one of the UK’s leading adult social care providers, is developing the dedicated residential scheme with specialist input from Prader-Willi Syndrome Association UK (PWSA UK). According to PWSA UK, there are a limited number of specialist PWS residential schemes nationally.
The Brixham development will be the first dedicated residential service in South West England. It will enable up to six people with PWS to live independently, remain close to family and friends, and receive the right support to thrive within their local community.
Belinda Robinson, Director of Development at National Care Group, has been leading the creation of the new service. She said: “We are proud to be establishing the first dedicated residential provision for people living with Prader-Willi Syndrome in South West England, where there is a clear, high demand for specialist support.
“By working with our partners at the Prader-Willi Syndrome Association UK, we are ensuring the service is shaped by specialist expertise and that our colleagues receive the training needed to empower people to achieve positive outcomes. National Care Group has proudly signed the Prader-Willi Syndrome Association’s charter, pledging our commitment to delivering safe, effective, compassionate and person-centred care and support.
“We look forward to welcoming the first people moving in later in the year once the regulator has completed all of its registration processes.”
Prader-Willi Syndrome is a rare and complex genetic condition affecting approximately 1 in every 2,000 births in the UK. It is caused by an abnormality on chromosome 15, which affects muscle tone, development, appetite regulation, emotional regulation and learning.
According to a global study published in the Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases (Hughes et al., 2024), full-time, specialised care services can lead to improved outcomes for people with PWS.
Jackie Lodge, Chief Executive, Prader-Willi Syndrome Association UK, said: “We know that families across the UK are struggling to find suitable places for their loved ones with Prader-Willi syndrome to live once they are adults. There is now compelling evidence that living in specialist PWS services can significantly improve outcomes for adults with PWS; however, the availability of these services remains very limited. We are frequently seeing people having to move long distances from their home and family to access appropriate care.
“We are pleased to work with National Care Group to establish a new service in the South West and to collaborate to ensure the home, care and support services are tailored for the specific needs of people with PWS.”
The Brixham PWS service will also create positive local employment opportunities, with at least 15 new roles for social care professionals in and around Brixham. The dedicated team delivering personalised support will join Oaklea Care, a local adult social care business based in Devon, owned by National Care Group.
The development of the specialist Prader-Willi Syndrome service is part of National Care Group’s growth strategy and its ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality services that address unmet need, enabling people with specialist support needs to live independent, fulfilling lives in their communities.
National Care Group is an award-winning adult social care provider for adults with learning disabilities, mental health diagnoses, acquired brain injuries, Prader-Willi Syndrome, and autistic people. Find out more www.nationalcaregroup.com.
